What is food insecurity?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

Low food security is described as reduced quality, variety, and desirability of diet, but quantity of food intake and normal eating patterns are not substantially disrupted. Very low food security is when eating patterns are disrupted and food intake is reduced due to lack of money or other resources for food. Essentially, food insecurity can be explained as either reducing the quality or quantity of food due to lack of resources.

Hunger can be considered a potential consequence of food insecurity that results in discomfort, illness, weakness, or pain that goes beyond the usual uneasy sensation because of prolonged, involuntary lack of food.

How to Spot Food Insecurity Among College Students

1. Look at their physical appearance. Look for physical indicators of nutrient deficiencies like swollen or puffy skin, chronically cracked lips, or chronically dry, itchy eyes.

2. Observe their behaviors and listen to conversations. Students facing food insecurity are likely to be anxious about when their next meal is. Student’s performance, concentration, and attendance in class may suddenly decrease.

3. Ask questions. If you are concerned that a student is experiencing food insecurity, ask questions. Address a student’s decrease in academic performance and know available resources to give to student.

Other Signs of Food Insecurity

• A decrease in academic performance or class attendance

• Not being able to afford balanced meals

• Eating less or skipping meals (leading to feelings of hunger which impacts the ability to focus)

• A decrease in attention span, memory, or trouble concentrating

• A sudden decrease or increase in weight (when coupled with other symptoms)

• An increase in anxiety or aggression

How Hunger Affects Education

• College students experiencing food insecurity may be less equipped to reach their full potential

• Critical thinking requires energy, and food provides energy

• Hunger negatively affects a student’s ability to focus 

• Increased risk for a variety of negative health outcomes and health disparities

• Consider Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs; students must have basic needs met before attempting to accomplish tasks in the top tiers, such as attaining belonging and self-actualization</=p>